A career in sport: Ross Stringer

We recently interviewed Ross Stringer, a sports promoter here at Southampton Solent University. Ross shares his experiences in the sporting industry and what it took to get him where he is today:

What is your role?

I am the Sports Promoter at Sport Solent, my role at the University is to provide and promote recreational based sports and activities for student of Southampton Solent University, in the attempt to increase students participation in sports and physical activity.

Have you always wanted to work in the sport and leisure industry and if so, why?

Yes without a doubt, as soon as the dream of becoming a pro footballer went down the drain, I knew I wanted to be involved in sport. To be honest even when I started my degree I was certain all I wanted to do was to become a pro football coach, but after my three years studying sports development and now having a job in it, I am loving it. Sport is my passion I’ve played and watched all sports from a young age.

What has your academic and professional journey been so far and where do you foresee it leading you?

I’m not going to lie my academic journey has been a bit of a bumpy one, like I said, I come to university as a fresh 18 year old and had it in my mind that I was here to become a football coach, but a certain someone made me realise that not being so stubborn and learning about another area of sport would do me the world of good, and to this day was some of the best advice I have ever had. My professional journey so far has been amazing Sport Solent have given me a great opportunity to learn and test myself in the sports development work place.

What is the best bit of advice you have ever heard?

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.

If you had to be trapped in a lift with anyone famous who would it be?

It would have to be Beckham, we are really similar guys looks and all so I think we would just get on really well.

What is your sport? (played, watched and/or enjoyed)

My sport is football, I currently play for Team Solent when I am not injured.

What have you enjoyed the most working in the sport and leisure industry so far?

I don’t think I could pick one point about this job, it just suits me down to a tee and I love what I am doing. From my experiences and I know its cheesy but it is true because it happened to me, and that is never give up on something you want.

What do you think of the range of working opportunities available for students at Sport Solent and Southampton Solent University?

They are so good and that is why I stand by saying that Southampton Solent University is such a good university. Yes it’s all well and good learning about all the theories and researching the literature that is out there which Solent without a doubt does but they also provide students with great work experience opportunities, which is vital when coming in to the work place.

You can find out about the sporting projects that Ross is involved with, on Twitter and Facebook. New updates and activities will be frequently uploaded to these pages, so keep an eye out for them!